ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
President's Secretariat
President of India lays the Foundation Stone for the Development of Pilgrimage Infrastructure at Bhadrachalam group of temples and Ramappa Temple
Inaugurates Sammakka Saralamma Janjati Pujari Sammelan at Bhadrachalam
Virtually Inaugurates Eklavya Model Residential Schools at Komaram Bheem Asifabad and Mahabubabad Districts of Telangana
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu laid the foundation stone for the development of pilgrimage facilities at Bhadrachalam Group of Temples under PRASHAD scheme at Bhadrachalam today . Subsequently, she inaugurated Sammakka Saralamma Janjati Pujari Sammelan, organised by the Vanvasi Kalyan Parishad –Telangana at Bhadrachalam and virtually inaugurated Eklavya Model Residential Schools of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs at Komaram Bheem Asifabad and Mahabubabad districts of Telangana.
Addressing the gathering, the President noted that the famous temples of Telangana are visited by lakhs of pilgrims. She said that out of domestic and foreign tourists, a large number is of pilgrims. In this way, pilgrimage tourism has a huge contribution in enhancing domestic tourism. Tourism increases the livelihood opportunities and income of the people and also strengthens the local economy. She appreciated the Ministry of Tourism for giving a boost to the spiritual and cultural tourism through the development of pilgrimage sites under the 'PRASHAD' scheme.
Noting that tribal people, especially from the Koya community, gather to offer prayers to Sammakka Saralamma. The President said that such festivals and gatherings strengthen social harmony. With these activities, our traditions continue to grow from generation to generation. She said that it is imperative to keep our culture, traditions and customs alive. This would also help to preserve our heritage. She appreciated the Vanvasi Kalyan Parishad, Telangana for organising this Sammelan. She was happy to note that the Parishad is constantly striving for the overall development of the forest dwellers.
The President said that active participation of women in all dimensions of progress is essential for the overall development of our society and country. She said that it is a matter of satisfaction that Vanvasi Kalyan Parishad is running development centers to take women forward in the direction of economic empowerment. Parishad is also organizing camps in tribal areas to raise awareness about rural development. She appreciated the Parishad for such welfare and developmental initiatives.
Subsequently, the President visited Ramappa Temple  in Warangal district where she laid foundation stones for development of tourism infrastructure and restoration of Kameshwaralaya Temple.
Click here to see President's Speech
Ministry of Textiles
Over 28,300 artisans and 1,49,422 weavers registered on the GeM Portal
Artisans and Weavers gaining greater Market access thorough GeM
Initiative to provide direct market access opportunities to approx. 35.22 lakh handloom workers and 27 lakh handicraft artisans
In a move to provide enhanced market access to weavers and artisans, a drive has been initiated to onboard Weavers and artisans on the GeM portal so as to enable them sell their products directly to the Govt. Departments. This will increase participation from under-served seller groups such as artisans, weavers, micro entrepreneurs, women, tribal entrepreneurs and self-help groups working in Handloom and Handicrafts, who face challenges in accessing government markets.
Till 30th August, 2021, 28,374 artisans and 1,49,422 weavers are registered on the portal.GeM initiated the seller registration and onboarding of weavers and artisans in July 2020 with the assistance of officials from Office of Development Commissioner Handloom and Development Commissioner Handicrafts. Officers from 56 Handicraft Service Centres and 28 Weaver Service Centres were trained and engaged in the seller registration process.
28 exclusive product categories have been created for handloom products. Simultaneously 170 custom product categories created for handicraft products. Dedicated web-banners and market pages have been developed for Indian Handloom  and Indian Handicrafts  products to showcase high-quality handicraft and handloom products made by artisans, weavers, cooperative societies, SHGs and producer companies capable of supplying such products to various Government buyers.
The move will help promote handloom and handicraft products with government buyers, empower weavers and artisans to sell their products directly to Govt. buyers sans intermediaries and reinforce the spirit of #MyHandloomMyPride, #VocalForLocal and Make in India, towards ensuring an “Atmanirbhar Bharat”.
This initiative is intended to provide direct market access opportunities to approx. 35.22 lakh handloom workers and 27 lakh handicraft artisans, simultaneously doing away with the intermediaries. GeM has created exclusive product categories for handloom and handicraft products. Dedicated web banners and market pages for India Handloom and India Handicrafts have been created to showcase high-quality handloom and handicraft products made by weavers, artisans, cooperative societies, SHGs and producer companies capable of supplying such products to various Govt buyers.
Ministry of Steel
13 Task Forces constituted by Ministry of Steel for decarbonisation of steel sector
Government also taking steps to promote high quality of steel through scraped/recycled steel
The Ministry of Steel has constituted 13 Task Forces with the engagement of industry, academia, think tanks, S&T bodies, different Ministries and other stakeholders to discuss, deliberate and recommend upon decarbonisation of the steel sector. The Task Force on Skill Development is constituted to carry out discussions on skilling, up-skilling and re-skilling of the workforce towards production of green steel, thereby ensuring the just transition of the steel sector.
Promoting high quality of steel through scrapped/recycled steel
The Government of India has also taken various steps to promote high quality of steel through scrapped/recycled steel and ensure steel producers’ adherence to it:
 To ensure the quality product to the public at large, irrespective of input material, the Ministry of Steel has notified 145 steel and steel products’ Indian Standards under the purview of Quality Control Order .
 Steel Scrap Recycling Policy, 2019, enhances the availability of domestically generated scrap to reduce the consumption of coal in steel making.
 Motor Vehicles  Rules, dated 23rd September 2021, shall increase the availability of scrap in the steel sector.
 The steel sector has adopted the Best Available Technologies  available globally, in the modernization & expansions projects.
This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Steel Sh. Faggan Singh Kulaste in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Government is encouraging Urban Local Bodies  to manage municipal solid waste in scientific manner including processing waste to-compost and other process
Govt has introduced a Policy on promotion of City Compost with Market Development Assistance  of Rs. 1500/- MT in the form of subsidy : Shri Gowda
The Government is encouraging Urban Local Bodies  to manage municipal solid waste in scientific manner including processing waste –to-compost and other process. The Government has introduced a policy on promotion of City Compost wherein a Market Development Assistance  of Rs. 1500/- MT in the form of subsidy has been provided for scaling up production and consumption of city compost made out from city waste.
This information was given by minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri D V Sadananda Gowda in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Shri Gowda said that initially, marketing and promotion of city compost was done through the existing fertilizer marketing companies. Subsequently to increase the volume of sale and to make compost available at affordable prices to farmers, compost manufacturers willing to market city compost were allowed for sale of compost in bulk directly to farmers and claim MDA.
The Minister further informed that the fertilizer companies have adopted 498 villages for promoting use of city compost. With the concerted efforts of the Government as well as fertilizer marketing companies/marketing entities, the production and sale of city compost has increased consistently over the years. The exact year-wise production and sales position for the last four years is as under:

|
|
Year
|
|
Production of city compost
|
|
Sale by marketing companies
|
|
Bulk Sale by manufacturing companies
|
|
Total sale
|
|
2016-17
|
|
196999.32
|
|
96584.00
|
|
-
|
|
96584.00
|
|
2017-18
|
|
338701.38
|
|
123569.87
|
|
75492.04
|
|
199061.91
|
|
2018-19
|
|
363261.24
|
|
195551.48
|
|
111078.99
|
|
306630.47
|
|
2019-20
|
|
327790.58
|
|
215725.88
|
|
108872.57
|
|
324598.45
Ministry of Communications
Maharashtra Postal Circle releases Special Cover on International Yoga Day
Mumbai, 21st June 2022
On the occasion of eighth International Day of Yoga 2022, Maharashtra Postal Circle released a Special Cover and a Special cancellation to create awareness among people to include yoga in their daily routine for their healthy lifestyle.
A Philatelic Presentation Pack and a Special cancellation on Summer Solstice was also released. A Unique Booklet of Stamps on “Wandering Minstrels” was also released on the occasion.
A special workshop was organised for philatelists and an interactive session was conducted in the presence of Chief Postmaster General, Maharashtra Circle, Smt. Veena Srinivas, to chalk out the future strategy for philatelic releases and opening of Philatelic clubs in Maharashtra Circle. Speaking on this occasion, Smt. Veena Srinivas emphasised the need for production of innovative Philatelic products to cater to the needs of the new philatelists and also to promote and popularise Philately amongst the younger generation.
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Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles loss of lives due to a tragic accident in Ganjam district of Odisha
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the loss of lives due to a tragic accident in Ganjam district of Odisha.
The Prime Minister Office tweeted;
"I am deeply pained by the loss of lives due to a tragic accident in Odisha’s Ganjam district. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. I pray that those injured recover at the very earliest: PM @narendramodi"
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Active cases only 22% of total COVID cases
Recoveries are now 26 lakh. Exceed Active cases by more than 18 lakh.
In pursuance of the Centre’s strategic and graded TEST, TRACK and TREAT approach, India is registering continuous progress on the recovery front and reduction in the fatality rate. In the past five months, more than 3/4 of COVID-19 cases have recovered and less than 1/4 is active now.
With more patients recovering and being discharged from home isolation  and hospitals , India's COVID-19 recoveries is nearing 26 lakh. 60,177 have recovered in the last 24 hours. With these national figures, the Recovery Rate amongst the COVID-19 has touched 76.28%.
The number of recoveries is nearly 3.5 times the active cases, which comprise 21.90% of the total cases. Higher number of recoveries has led to a constantly growing difference between recoveries and active cases. Crossing 18 lakhs, the difference stands at 18, 41,925 today.
The Union Government has adopted a graded and evolving strategic response to COVID management in India within the larger evolving global context. The early focus on surveillance and contact tracing through house-to-house survey was continuously strengthened with increase in testing for ensuring early identification of positive cases. This has ensured prompt isolation of the confirmed positive cases either in supervised home care for the mild and moderate cases, and hospitalisation in case of those who are exhibiting critical symptoms.
The Centre has led the country-wide response and management with steady ramping up of the hospital infrastructure through the three tiered Dedicated COVID facilities- Dedicated COVID Hospitals  with ICU bed, ventilators etc., for critical care management; Dedicated COVID Health Centres  with oxygen beds and doctor on call facility; and COVID Care Centres  with isolation beds. As on date, the country has 1723 DCH, 3883 DCHC and 11,689 CCC with a total of 15,89,105 isolation beds, 2,17,128 oxygen supported beds and 57,380 ICU beds. Effective treatment of the positive cases has resulted in a progressively dipping Case Fatality Rate, which is pegged at 1.82% today.
For all authentic & updated information on COVID-19 related technical issues, guidelines & advisories please regularly visit: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/ and @MoHFW_INDIA.
Technical queries related to COVID-19 may be sent to technicalquery.covid19[at]gov[dot]in and other queries on ncov2019[at]gov[dot]in and @CovidIndiaSeva .
In case of any queries on COVID-19, please call at the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare helpline no.: +91-11-23978046 or 1075 . List of helpline numbers of States/UTs on COVID-19 is also available at https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/coronvavirushelplinenumber.pdf
Ministry of Defence
Southern Command Organises General Bipin Rawat Memoral Event at Pune
Pune : 8 December 2022
Headquarters Southern Command hosted a memorial event on Thursday to commemorate the solemn occasion of first death anniversary of Late Gen Bipin Rawat, the first Chief of Defence Staff of Indian Armed Forces.
The memorial event was conducted in the form of a seminar in hybrid mode with the theme, “Transformation Imperatives for Indian Armed Forces” conceptualised to dwell upon the issues that were close to Gen Bipin Rawat and on which he was focussed relentlessly as Chief of the Defence Staff. The seminar was jointly organised by Headquarters Southern Command and Pune International Centre at Command Hospital, Pune.
The event was memorialised by the benign presence of Mrs Krithika Rawat, daughter of Late Gen Bipin Rawat.
Lt Gen Ajai Kumar Singh, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM, Army Commander Southern Command in his opening address paid rich tributes to the Late Gen Bipin Rawat.. The Army Commander dwelled upon the roadmap laid by first CDS for seamless integration between traditional ethos and modern technologies to strengthen the nation. He brought out the challenges faced by India and the Armed Forces while highlighting the increasing influence of India in the present geopolitical order.
A number of eminent speakers such as Mr Vijay Gokhale, Former Foreign Secretary, Dr Ajay Kumar, former Defence Secretary and veteran service speakers such as Lt Gen Subrata Saha, Lt Gen Sanjeev Langer, Lt Gen PS Rajeshwar, Lt Gen SS Hasabnis, Lt Gen AK Singh, Air Mshl SS Soman & Rear Admiral Praveen Nair also expressed their views on the imperatives and nuances of Transformation for Indian Armed Forces.
The seminar witnessed overwhelming response from all three services wherein officers from National Defence Academy, INS Shivaji, Western Naval Comd, Mumbai and Air Force Station, Lohegaon actively participated in the event. Pune International Centre members also took active part in the seminar. The seminar was telecast live for all the outstation formations of Headquarters Southern Command.
Gen Rawat's monumental effort at transformation of the military leaves us with a strong framework and clear path and hence there is no better tribute to his legacy than to walk upon this path and take it to its desired conclusion, that of a secure Nation built over a futuristic and self-reliant military.
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Ministry of Finance
Auction for Sale  of Government Stocks
The Government of India has announced the Sale  of  ‘7.00 per cent Government Stock, 2021’ for a notified amount of Rs. 3,000 crore  through price based auction,  ‘7.27 per cent Government Stock, 2026’ for a notified amount of Rs. 3,000 crore  through price based auction,  ‘Government of India Floating Rate Bonds, 2031’ for a notified amount of Rs. 5,000 crore  through price based auction,  ‘7.62 percent Government Stock, 2039’ for a notified amount of Rs.2,000 crore  through price based auction, and  ‘New Government Stock 2059’ for a notified amount of Rs. 4,000 crore  through yield based auction. Subject to the limit of Rs. 17,000 crore, being total notified amount, Government of India will have the option to retain additional subscription up to Rs. 1,000 crore each against any one or more of the above securities. The auctions will be conducted using multiple price method. The auctions will be conducted by the Reserve Bank of India , Mumbai Office, Fort, Mumbai on May 3, 2019 .
Up to 5% of the notified amount of the sale of the stocks will be allotted to eligible individuals and Institutions as per the Scheme for Non-Competitive Bidding Facility in the Auction of Government Securities.
Both competitive and non-competitive bids for the auction should be submitted in electronic format on the Reserve Bank of India Core Banking Solution  system on May 3, 2019. The non-competitive bids should be submitted between 11.30 a.m. and 12.00 noon and the competitive bids should be submitted between 11.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m.
The result of the auctions will be announced on May 3, 2019  and payment by successful bidders will be on May 6, 2019 .
The Stocks will be eligible for “When Issued” trading in accordance with the guidelines on ‘When Issued transactions in Central Government Securities’ issued by the Reserve Bank of India  vide Circular No. RBI/2018-19/25 dated July 24, 2018 as amended from time to time.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Measures to reduce adverse impact of Global Container Shortage
Disruptions due to the COVID Pandemic resulted in high shipping freight rates and container shortage globalky, a problem which has been raised repeatedly by exporters in india too.
It has been brought out in stakeholder consultations by MOCI that the problem could be eased through creating policy incentives discouraging export of empty containers. As per the present structure, keeping containers beyond a period of six months attracts an import duty as deemed import. While the policy is designed to discourage long dwell time of containers and to promote faster turnaround, It has been reported that this sometimes creates perverse incentive among shipping lines to export empty containers to evade duty payment on containers which are lying empty.
Working on one of the action tracks identified by the government to ease the problem, as a temporary measure to improve containers available presently for export of containerised cargo and with aim of promoting export of laden marine containers, the CBIC has issued a guidance to field offices to extend this period by 3 months where the container is being taken out of the country in laden condition provided the 6 month period falls before enforcement of FY22 , Extension is to be sought by the concerned importer.
This step is expected to reduce the export of the empty containers from the country on ground of imposition of import duty, thus increasing the availability of containers for the trade.
Ministry of Defence
Indian Coast Guard Goa conducts Walkathon Race to celebrate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and promote ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’
As the nation celebrates ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ to commemorate 75 years of India’s independence, the Indian Coast Guard added to the patriotic fervour by conducting a walkathon race for its forces. The walkathon race was organized by the Indian Coast Guard District Headquarters 11, Goa today, from the District Headquarters to Bogmalo Beach and back.
A total of 100 participants comprising officers and civilians from all Coast Guard units under the Goan command participated in the event. The walkathon is an effort by the maritime protection force of the government to connect with local citizens and inspire them to participate actively in the “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign. During the walkathon, national flags were distributed to the fishing community, and they were exhorted to hoist the ‘Tiranga’ in their homes during August 13 – 15, 2022.
The event also aimed to motivate the local populace in promoting citizen interest in our shores and encouraging them to contribute to clean beaches.
DIG Arunabh Bose, TM Commander, Coast Guard District Headquarters No 11, Goa flagged off the walkathon and urged the participants to contribute towards society by conserving fuel and cleaning up their nearest beach on a predetermined schedule.
Ministry of Railways
Cabinet approves the New Railway Line between Bahraich and Khalilabad, Uttar Pradesh
The new line serves 5 districts of Uttar Pradesh including 4 aspirational districts  and Sant Kabirnagar
This project will generate direct employment during construction for about 57.67 lakh man-days
The total estimated cost of this project is Rs. 4939.78 crore and will be completed by 2024-25
The line will promote tourism in the region
This Line passes through Shravasti which is closely associated with the life of Gautam Buddha
Shravasti is also an important tourist centre for Jains
Provide better connectivity to Devi Patan temple, which is one of the famous 51 Shakti Peethas of Maa Durga
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved new Railway Line between Bahraich and Khalilabad via Bhinga, Shravasti, Balrampur, Utraula, Domariyaganj, Mehdawal, Bansi. The total length of the new Broad Gauge line will be 240.26 kilometers.
The total estimated cost of the project is Rs. 4939.78 crore. The project will be completed by 2024-25 and will lie in North Eastern Railway. This project will generate direct employment during construction for about 57.67 lakh man-days.
The new line will provide basic infrastructure support for industrial development having large socio-economic ramification. It will provide a direct broad gauge route to the project area which may boost the economic development of the region. This will also provide an alternative route of Bahraich-Khalilabad and connect border districts to each other.
The approved line is passing through the district Shravasti  which is an important tourist place and closely associated with the life of Gautam Buddha. Shravasti is also an important tourist centre for Jains as the Sobhanath temple is believed to be the birthplace of the Tirthankara Sambhavanath. The Devi Patan temple in Tulsipur which is close to Balrampur town, is one of the famous 51 Shakti Peethas of Maa Durga. The line will promote tourism in the region.
The project will provide rail facility to the people of the area falling under the project line and will help to grow small scale industries in the area. Four districts falling in this project length i.e. Bahraich, Balrampur, Shravasti and Siddharth Nagar are among the 115 aspirational districts identified by NITI Aayog. Hence, this project is needed for better socio economic development of the hinterland of this area with the help of rail network.